Switch lock



Jan'. 28, 1930. E. N. JACOB! 1,745,326

SWITCH LOCK Filed Deo. 7. 1927 4 sheets-sheer 1 Jan. 28, 1930. E Nl JACOBl 1,745,326

SWITCH LOCK j Edward Nldcnblif yum Jan. 28, 1930. E. N. .JAcoBl 1,745,326

SWITCH LOCK Filed D60. 7. 1927 4 Sheet'S-Sheet 3 Jan. 28, 1930.

E. N. JACOBI 1,745,326

SWITCH LOC K Filed Dec. 7, 1927 4 Sheets-$heet 4 4 @www Edward N Jdcmh1 algae Jan. 2s, 193o` UNITED STATES PATENi-ll OFFICE EDWARD N. JACOBI, OF vMILWAUKEE, WISCONSINpASSIGNOR TO BRIGGS & SiTRA'ITON CORPORATION, OFv MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN,

A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE SWITCH Loox A Application mea December Emsa?, serial No. 238,384.

ized manipulation by the destruction of the key control mechanism, or the cutting of the protecting conduit through which the Bowl den wire extendsto the switch or other element to be locked, and the consequent operation of the lock by the manipulation of the Bowden Wire by a pair of pliers or other tool, and this invention has as an object the provision of an improved locking device which will afford positive protection against the unauthorized manipulation ofthe lock by the destruction of the key actuated mechanism or the cutting of the enclosing guard or conduit for the Bowden Wire.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of an improved lock of the character described which is immediately set in a locked position when the actuating mechanism is tampered with.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of an improved lock of the character described havin means for freeing the lock actuating mem er instantly upon serving of the conduit covering the Bowden wire,^so that manipulation of the wire by .a tool after the guard housing has been severed .will not affect the releasing of the lock.

It is another object of this invention to provide a lock mechanism having two wires, one forming a guard which functions to set the mechanism whether pulled or relaxed and normally holds the lock mechanism in workin@ condition only when held in its exact mid-idle position, and the other acting as a push and pull wire for eecting the normal operation of the lock mechanism only when the first wire is in its middle position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a snap switch which prevents destructive arcin'g, but mainly prevents pushing the lock cylinder in just far enough to break the ignition circuit and stop the motor without locking the spring detent plunger in the locking head, so that when -the pressure on the lock is released, thinking it is locked because the engine has stopped, the circuit is reestablished resulting in draining the battery through the ignition coil, besides not protecting the car against theft.

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of an improved lock of the character described which may be'readily app lied to the coil boxof an automotive vehicle to lock the coil or coils thereof against theft and, at the same time, control the ignition circuit.

A s till 'further object of this invention resides en the provision of an improved locking device of the character described which will'atford protection against unauthorized manipulation through the destruction of the key actuating means which may be readily applied to any device where a remote controlled locking means is desired.

YVith the above and other objectsin view which will appear as the description proceeds, my invention resides in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts substantially as hereinafter described and more particularly dened by the appended claims, it being understood that such changes in the precise embodiment of the herein disclosed invention may be made as come within the scope ofthe claims.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invent-ion constructed according to the best mode l have so far devised for the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:

Figure l is a fragmentary view. part-ly in section and partly in elevation, illustrating my improved lock device-as applied to the ignition circuit and ignition coils of an automotive vehicle;

Figure 2 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, of the improved lock proper, the parts being illustrated in their normal position with the switch open and the circuit grounded and said view being taken through Figure 1, on the plane of the line Figure 3 is a view, partly in section and partly in elevation, taken through Figure l on the plane of the line 3-3;

Figure 4 is a view with parts in top plan and parts in section taken through'Figure 3 on the plane of the line 4-4; Figure 5 is a perspective view of thetactuating arms and levers of the switch detachedl from the housing or casing and in the positions illustrated in Flgure 2;

Figure 6 is a ierspective view of the libre Figure 8 1s a view similar to Figure 2 illustrating the positions the various elements assume when the Bowden wire conduit has been severed; and

Figure 9 is a fragmentary detailed view, partly in section and partly in elevat1on, illustrating the manner of connecting the outer end of the auxiliary wire with the Bowden wire conduit or tubing.

Referring more particularly to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, 1() designates a casing or housing for one or more ignition coils 11 and having a bottom 12 carrying suitable contacts 13 adapted to be engaged by contacts 14 on the coil bottoms. Where more coils than one are employed, one acts as a master for locking the others within the casing when the lock mechanism, to be later described, is in its olii' position. The other coils are provided with lugs or other means 15 secured to their bottoms and extended under the master coil which has a dependin keeper 16 extended through a slot 17 in the ottom 12 for engagement with the lock mechanism.

The casing 10 is preferably of metal construction and has its lower marginal edges extended below the bottom 12, which is or" insulating material, and flanged thereover, as at 18, to secure an outer metal bottom 19 over the bottom 12. The bottom 19 is apertured adjacent the keeper 16, as at 20, to overlie the inner peripheral iiange 21, of a switch and lock housing 22 of inverted cup shape and preferably of hardened metal.

rlhe housing 22 is of one piece and surrounds the switch and emergency locking mechanism, which consists of a series of connected levers, hereafter described, having detachable connections which function to set the emergency locking mechanism upon severing of the conduit or tubing 23 guarding wires 24 and 25, to be later described. A semi-cir.- cular plate 26 closes the top open portion of the housing 22, being aligned with the housing in'its proper position by interlocking lugs 27 and being clamped between the bottom 12 and the'marginal flange 21 of the housing. Fixed to plate 26 by rivets 28, 29 and 30, with its end 31 extended beyond the plate inner edge, is a contact carrying member 32`carrying a terminal 33 at its end 31 having electrical connection with a contact strip 34 and rllhe free end 40 of the spring contact inger n extends to a point adjacent the outer end of the arm, -and is normally urged therefrom to engage member 32, which has two contacts 41 and 42 disposed on an arc concentric with the trunnion 36so that movement of the switch arm 37, and with it the contact finger 38, engages the end 40 thereo with one of the contacts. Contact 41 is secured to 'the member 32 by rivet 28 and thereby grounded to the casing through the plate 26 and bottom 19 whereas contact 42 is insulated from the casing, being connected with a source ot electrical energy. 'lo prevent grounding of the contact 42 with the supporting plate 26, an opening or aperture' is formed therein in register with its mounting rivet 44 and its terminal 45 on the rear of the member 32. rlhe terminal 45 is connected with a terminal stud 46, extended into the housing 22 and insulated therefrom, byy a lead 47, the terminal 46 being connected with the battery or other source of energy, not shown, in a conventional manner.

Fixed within the housing 22 is a bridge plate or frame 48 of approximately C shape having opposed, upwardly struck feet or lugs 49 and 50 which are riveted or otherwise secured to plate 26 at 51 and 52 respectively, the frame providing mounting means for a detent or dog 53, a switch arm lever 54 and a bell crank locking lever 55, all later described. The switch arm lever 54 has one end pivoted, as at 56, to the end 57 of the bridge or -frame, the axis of the pivot being in axial alignment with the switch arm pivot 36 and a driving lug 58 is extended from one side of the lever 54 at a medial point and is directed laterally to overlie the adjacent side of the switch arm 37 which is yieldingly held thereagainst by a contractile spring 59, one end of which is fixed to a lug 60 extended from the toot 49 and its other end to a tongue 61 extended from a coil locking lug or latch 62, fixed to the free end of the switch arm. The lever 54 is likewise yieldably urged in the same direction by a spring 63, having one end fixed to a tongue 64 projecting from the end 65 of the bridge or frame and its other end fixed to a projection 66 formed at the outer free end of the lever.

The lever 54 is normally held against movement by its spring by the Bowden wire 24, the outer end of .which is connected with a key controlled actuating means 67, to be later described, and the inner end of which is connected with the lever 54 through a switch arm lever actuating member 68. The switch arm lever actuating member 68 is pivotally connected with the end 69 of the bell crank lever 55, as at 7 0, and has its free end 71 directed inwardly toward the switch arm lever 54 and provided with an irregularly shaped opening 72 in which a complementarily shaped lu 73 carried by the lever 54 is engaged; the pivot being in axial alignment of the pivot 56 of the lever 54, so that movement of the member 68 by the Bowden wire 24 moves the lever on its pivot to actuate the switch arm -37, without disturbing the operative connection between lever 54 and member 68.

The bell crank lever 55 is medially, pivoted to the bridge or frame 48 as at 74, and a contractile spring 75, having one end connected with a projection 76 carried by the skeleton frame and its other end connected with the end 77 of the bell crank lever, normally tends to disalign the pivots 56 and 70, the action of the spring being normally resisted by the wire 25. The inner end 78 of the wire 25 1s connected with the arm 75 of the bell crank lever 55, and the outer end with the tube 23 in a suitable manner, as at 79, see Figures 1 and 9.

Fixed to the free end ofthe switch arm 37 with its outer periphery struck on an arc concentric with the pivot 36, is a plate 80 having a downward extension 80 adapted to be engaged by the driving lug 58 and aneX- tension 81 provided with two spaced projections 82 forming a locking recess 83 therebe- 0 tween. A locking lug 84 carried by the detent or dog 53, is engaofeable in recess 83 when the switch is in its on position, and during` movement of the switch toward its on position lug 84 tracks on the .arcuate surface 85 of the plate 82, being yleldably held in engagement therewith by an eXtensile spring 86 compressed between an extension 87 of the lug 76, and the extended rear end 88 of the detent for the purpose described. The detent also has a locking pro jection or lug 89, the bottom surface 90 ofl which is inclined to ride on the arcuate shaped free end 91 of the lever 54, the rear vertical surface 92 of which provides a locking edge for engagement over the edge 93 of the lever 54.

The key controlled actuating mechanism 67 may be of any particular design or construction and one preferred embodiment is that illustrated in Figure 2 of my copending application, Serial No. 143,975, wherein a key actuated cylinder 94 moves within a protecting housing 95, and is held against an eXtensile spring 96 by a suitable locking means, not shown, adapted to be controlled by a key 97, the Bowden wire 24 being suitably connected with the cylinder 94 to move therewith.

Assuming the parts to be in their positions illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, cylinder 94 is held inwardly against its spring 96, swltch arm 37 is in a position engaging the springA contacter 38 with the contact 41, grounding the coils and consequently the ignitlon circuit through the housing 10, and the coils are locked within the box 10, as the locking lug 62 is engaged within the locking recess 98 of the master coil tends into the housing 22 through a slot 99 1n the plate 26, and the detent or dog 53, which is pivoted to the bridge frame 48 as at 100, has its free end elevated against its spring 86 by the engagement of the free end of the lever 54 under its lug 89.

When it is desired to complete the i nition clrcuit, the cylinder 94 is freed by its ey 97, moving outwardly under the energy of spring 96 pulling the Bowden wire 24 to swing the actuating member 68 from right to left on itspivot, see Figures 2, 5 and 7, moving the switch arm lever 54 with it through the connection between end 71 and lug 73. Movement of the arm 54 likewise moves the switch arm against its spring due to engagement of the driving lug 58 with the extension 80', and detent 53 drops to the surface 85 of the plate 80 as the lever 54 moves out of the path of the projectlon 89. Lug 84 then engages in the locking recess 83 when the switch arm reaches a position with the spring finger 38 in engagement with the arm contact 42, locking the switch in its on position against the ener stored within its spring 59, and as the switch arm moves to this position, the coil locking lug 62 carried thereby is disengaged from therecess of the keeper 16, as will be readily apparent.

When it is desired to break the ignition circuit, the cylinder 94 is moved inwardly to a Ilocked position against its spring 96, permitting the actuating member 68 and switch arm lever 54 to move under the influence of the spring 63, retractin the Bowden wire 24, the switch arm being geld in` its on position against its spring 59 by the dog or detent until the lever 54 reaches the position illustrated in Figure 5, when the detentis raised free of the locking recess 83 against its spring 86 and spring 59 quickly moves the switch arm to its olii position, before described, producing a quick break in the circuit to prevent destructive arcing between the spring contact 38 and fixed Contact 42. The ignition is now open, the coils locked in their box and the lock cylinder held against movement by its key controlled means, not shown.

Assuming that an attempt is made to gain unauthorized access to the mechanism to either free the coils or complete the ignition clrcuit, and consequently permit unauthorized use of the vehicle, by cutting the conduit 23 and manipulating the Bowden wire with a suitable tool, spring 63 swings the lever 54 to the right with reference to Figure 2, instantly upon the severing of the Bowden wire, until lug 92 of the detent 53 engages end 93 of the locking keeper 16 which exdisaligning pivots 57 and 7 0 and disengaging member 68 and lever 54, in the manner illustrated in Figure 8. Assuming the thief, in his attempt, severs the wire and not the Bowden wire 24, a spring 7 5 disengages the member 68 and lever 65, in the manner described, so that movement of the Bowden wire fails ,to manipulate the mechanism.

Likewise, should the thief, in his attempt, succeed in cutting the conduit without disturbing either of the wires 24 or 25, the manipulation of the wire 25 instead of the Bowden wire 24 swings the bell crank lever to the left, with reference to Figure 2, disaligning the pivots 56 and 70, disengaging the member 68 and lever 54, setting the emergency lock mechanism.

The snap action imparted to the movable switch member in opening at the locking operation of the mechanism, in addition to preventing destructive arcing between the contacts, prevents the driver from pushing cylinder 94 inwardly just far enough to barely break the ignition circuit and stop the motor without locking the spring detent plunger of the cylinder, not shown, and then releasing the lock, thinking the engine is stopped. As the pressure of the lock cylinder is released, its spring 96 would instantly move it outwardly again and make a contact causing the battery to drain through the ignition coil but not protecting the car against theft. The necessity of moving the cable 24 through a predetermined distance which is equal to that required to cause the cylinder 94 to become locked within its mounting, prevents such occurrence, as will be readily apparent.

From the foregoing description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,

it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which an invention of the character described appertains, that I provided an extremely novel and efficient mechanism which provides maximum protection against unauthorized manipulation of the lock and which is capable of use in connection with any type of lock.

VVha'tl I claim as my invention is:`

l. In a device of the character described, a member adapted to be moved to and from an operative position, a remotely located control device for said member, a second member operable to move the first member to its operative position, means normally urging vthe second member from its operative position, and an actuating element connecting the control device with the second member, said second member being movable by its urging means to an inoperative position upon the severing of the actuating element to prevent the unauthorized movement of the first member to its operative position.

2. In a device of the character described, a mounting, a member pivoted from the mounting for movement to and from an oper ative position, means normally urging the member from its operative position, an actuating member pivoted from the mounting, means whereby movement of the actuating member in one direction moves the rst member to its operative position, means operable as the first member reachesV its operative position to hold the same against its urging means, said actuating member being returnable to its first position independent of the rst member, and means operable as the actuating member approaches its first position to release said holding means whereby the first member returns to its normal inoperative position with a quick movement.

3. In a device of the character described, a mounting, a member pivoted from the mounting for movement to and from an operative position, means normally urging the member from its operative position, an actuating mcmber pivoted from the mounting and having its pivot in approximate axial alignment with the pivot of the first member, means normally tending to move the actuating member in the direction the first member is normally urged, means whereby movement of the actuating member against its spring moves the first lnember to its operative position, a locking member operable as the first member reaches its operative position to secure the same against its urging means, said actuating member being returnable to its first position independent of the first member, and means operable as the actuating member approaches its first position to release said locking means whereby the first member returns to its normal position with a quick movement.

4. In a device of the character described, a movable member, a second movable member, means connecting the members whereby movement of the second member in one direction moves the first member, an actuating element connected with the second member, a second element connected with said second member, moving of said second element in either direction disconnecting the members to render the device inoperative.

5. In a device of the character described, a movable member, a second movable member, means detachably connecting the members whereby movement ofthe second member in one direction moves the first member, an actuating element connected with the second member, a second element connected with the second member, moving of said second member in either direction disconnecting the members and rendering the device inoperasecond element moves the second member and ldisrupts the connection between said memers.

6.v In a device of the character described, a member pivotally mounted for movement to and from an operative position, alever having a connection with said member which is breakablc upon longitudinal movement of the lever with respect thereto, means pivotally mounting the lever, means'operable upon unauthorized tampering with the device to shift the lever and move the lever longitudinally with respect to said member and disconnect the lever from said member, and means connected with said lever for swinging the same on its pivot to impart pivotal movement to said member.

7. In a device of the character described, a member pivotally mounted for movement to and from operative position, means normally urging the member to an inoperative position, a pivotally mounted actuating member adapted-upon movement in one directionto move the first member to its operative position, a lever having an operative connection with the second member adapted to be broken upon longitudinal movement of the lever with respect to the second member, means pivotally mounting said lever and adapted to be normally in axial alignment with the pivot of the second member, means operable upon unauthorized tampering with the device to shift the pivot of said lever and move the lever longitudinally with respect to the second member and sever the connection between the lever and said member, and means connected with the lever for swinging the same on its pivot to impart pivotal movement to the second member.

8. In a device of the character described, a member pivotally mounted for movement to and from an operative position, a lever having a connection with said member which is breakable upon longitudinal movement of the lever with respect thereto, a pivoted lever, said rst lever having one end pivoted to a portion of the second lever, means for imparting pivotal movement to the first lever to actuate said member, and means operable upon tampering with the device to move the second lever and shift the irst lever pivot to move the irst lever longitudinally and break the connection between the iirst lever and said member.

9. A device of the character described, comprising a protecting housing, a member therein adapted to be moved to and from an operative position, an actuating member itor the rst member and mounted remotely therefrom, a protecting conduit connecting the actuating member with the housing, a plurality of cable members extending, through the conduit, means operatively connecting one cable member with the actuating member and the first member whereby its longitudinal movement by the actuating member actuates comprising a protecting housing, a member therein adapted to be moved to and from an operative position, an actuating member for the first member and mounted remotely therefrom, a protecting Vconduit connecting theA actuating member with the housing, a plurality of cable members extending through the conduit, means operatively connecting one cable member with th'e actuating member and the lirst member whereby its longitudinal movement by the actuating member actuates the first member, and means operable by a pull on a cable member other than that connected with the first member tosccure the first member against further manipulation by the cable member connecting the same with the actuating member.

11. A device of the character described, comprising a protecting housing, a member therein adapted to be moved to and from an operative position, an actuating member for the first member and mounted remotely therefrom, a protecting conduit connecting the actuatin member with the housing, a plurality oi cable members extending through the conduit, means operatively connecting one cable member with the actuatingmember and the rst member whereby its longitudinal movement by the actuating member actuates the lirst member, means operable by a pull on a cable member other than that connected with the first member to set the irst member in an inoperative position against further manipulation by the cable member connecting the same with the actuating member, and means operable by the severing of any one of the cable members to secure the first member against further operation by manipulation or" the cable member connected therewith.

l2. A device of the character described, comprising a pivotally mounted member normally movable between two limits, spring means normally tending to urge said member beyond one limit, a bell cent its apex, a lever pivotally connected with one arm of the bell crank and adapted to have its pivot normally in axial alignment with the pivot of said member, means connecting the member and lever whereby movement of one on its pivot moves the other, spring means normally tending to move the bell crank on its pivot to disalign the pivots of said member and lever and disrupt the connection therebetween, and a pair of cable means connected with the bell crank and said lever to restrain the movement thereof by their spring means, a pull on the cable means connected with the lever causing normal movementv of the first member against its crank pivoted adjaspring means and a pull on the other cable y means pivoting the bell crank to shift said on its pivot moves the other, spring means\ normally tending to move the bell crank on its pivot to disalign the pivots of said member and lever and disrupt the connection therebetween, a pair of cable means connected with the bell crank and said lever to restrain the movement thereoic by their spring means, a pull on the cable means connected with the lever causing normal movement of the first member against its spring means and a pull on the other cable means pivoting-the bell crank to shift said lever pivot and disrupt the connection between said member and lever,

and means whereb severing of the cable means connected with the lever permits the movement of said member beyond its normal inoperative position. p

le. A device of the character described, comprising a pivotally mounted member normally movable between two limits, spring means normally tending to urge said member beyond one limit, a bell crank adjacent its apex, a lever pivotally connected with one end of the bell crank, means connecting the member and lever whereby movement of one on its pivot moves the other, spring means normally tending to move the bell crank on its pivot to disrupt the connection between said member and lever, a plurality of cable members connected with the bell crank and said lever to restrain the movement thereof by their spring means, a pull on the cable connected with the lever causing normal movement of the iirst member against its spring means, and means anchoring the end of the other cable means remote Jfrom the bell crank whereby the releasing thereof frees the bell crank to shift said lever and disrupt the connection between it and said member.

15. ln a mechanism of the character described, a movably mounted switch member, means spring urging the switch member to its normal inoperative position, means for locking the switch member in its normal inoperative position, means permitting the movement of the switch member against its urging means to its operative position, a detent releasably maintaining the switch member in its operative position, means operated by the actuating means of the switch member by releasing said detent from thev switch member as said means approaches its normal inoperative position whereby the switch member moves from operative to inoperative position with a quick action, and means operable upon tampering with the mechanism whereby the urging means of the switch member moves it beyond its normal inoperative position.

16. ln a mechanism of the character described, a movably mounted switch member, means spring urging the switch member to its normal inoperative position, means for locking the switch member in its normal inoperative position, means permitting the movement' of the' switch member against its urging means to its operative position, a-detent releasably maintaining the switch member in its operativeposition, means operated by the actuating means of the switch member by releasing said detent from the switch member as said means approaches its normal inoperative position whereby the switch member moves from operative to inoperative position with a quick action, means operable upon tampering with the mechanism whereby the urging means of the switch member moves it beyond its normal inoperative position, and means engageable by said detent upon movement of the switch member beyond its normal inoperative position to set the mechanism in such position. y

17. A device of the character described comprising a movable switch member, means normally urging the switch member in one direction, an actuating member holding the switch member against movement by its urging means and operable to move the switch member in an opposite direction, holding means releasably securing the switch member in a position to which it has been moved by the actuating member, and meanswhereby the return of the actuating member to normal position releases the movable switch member from the holding means to be quickly moved by its urging means to its normal position engaging the actuating member.

18. A device of the character described comprising a movable switch member, means normally urging the switch member in one direction, an actuating member holding the switch member against movement by its urging means and operable to move the switch member in an opposite direction, holding means releasably securing the switch member in a position to which it has been moved by the actuating member, means whereby the return of the actuating vmember to normal position releases the movable switch member from the holding means to be quickly moved by its urging means to its normal position engaging the actuating member, and means whereby unauthorized tampering with the device releases the actuating member which is then engaged by the holding means t0 prevent operative movement of the actuating member.

19. In a device of the character described, a switch, a control for the switch' located remote therefrom, means operatively connecting the control with the switch, means whereby the switch is opened with a snap to prevent arcing, and means whereby unauthorized tamperingwith the means connecting the control and the switch secures the same in an inoperative position and. prevents subsequent closing thereof.

20. In a device of the character described, a switch member movable to and from contact making position, coils, and means carried by the switch member for locking the coils against removal when the switch member is out of contact making position.

21. In a device of the character described, a switch member movable to and from contact making position, means urging the switch member out of contact making position, means releasably hol-ding the switch member in contact making position, a control for the switch member, means for releasing the switch member when the control is moved to open the switch whereby its urging means moves it out of contact making position with a snap, and means operable upon unauthorized tampering with the control for releasing the switch member for further movement by its urging means to a position from which the holding means prevents subsequent movement of the switch member.

22. A device of the character described, comprising a movable member, an actuating member for the movable member and mounted remotely therefrom, a plurality of cable members extending from the movable member to the actuating member, one of said cable members operatively connecting the members, whereby movement of the actuating member is imparted to the movable member, and means operable upon movement of any other cable member for securing the movable member against further manipulation by the irst mentioned cable member.

In testimony whereof I hereunto aiix my signature.

EDWARD N. ACOBI. 

